GAFFNEY, SC (WSPA) – Erin Fox is one of 5 finalists for SC Teacher of the Year according to the SC Dept. of Education (SCDE).

They say State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman surprised Fox in her classroom on Thursday morning.

Fox is an English teacher and pulls from her her dramatic, dance and musical background to create dynamic lessons and units for her students, according to SCDE.

“Mrs. Fox is an incredible teacher and a perfect representative for our profession. She encourages and motivates her students to be their very best and she truly leads by example. Mrs. Fox stimulates her students academically, athletically, and artistically. Her classroom comes alive when she begins to teach and her delivery and style captivate her students. Mrs. Fox is the epitome of a great educator and Cherokee County School District congratulates her, salutes her, and wish her all the best in this process to be the best teacher in South Carolina,” said Cherokee superintendent Dr. Quincie Moore.

She will receive $10,000 and go on to the next stage of competition.

That involves an interview with a team of judges, according to SCDE.

The gala will be May 3rd in Columbia.

If she wins she will get $25,000 and gets to drive a new BMW for one year while, according to SCDE.